MSPO 2016 – report

24th MSPO was held under the banner of Polish defense industry; this year’s Kielce expo hosted a record-breaking number of exhibitors – 614 companies – representatives of 30 countries from all corners in the world. This consecutive MSPO was held under the auspices of the Republic of Poland President, Mr Andrzej Duda. President himself honoured the Expo awarding ceremony with his presence. MSPO was complemented with the 22nd International Logistics Fair LOGISTYKA Both events hosted the 50 official delegations from 46 countries as well as more than 22 thousand visitors.

Important guests of honour at MSPO

This year’s defense industry expo was graced with the presence of numerous state authorities and officials. On the last MSPO day, i.e. 9 September Polish President Andrzej Duda visited the stands of Polish producers and the Armed Forces.

– Now, as Polish Army is being modernized I watched the exhibition with particular interest; not only as a man but first and foremost as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces . I expect that Polish army-related programmes and our obligations to allies will be carried out effectively. (…) I want to [army to be equipped with] the best equipment available, of adequate value for money so that it serves the purpose of securing Polish soldiers safety. – said President Andrzej Duda at the 24th MSPO’s culmination ceremony. President congratulated the Mayor of Kielce Wojciech Lubawski, Targi Kielce President of Board Andrzej Mochoń PhD, Świętokrzyskie Voivode Agata Wojtyszek on global-class organisation of the International Defence Industry Exhibition

The Defence Expo also hosted the National Defence Minister, Mr. Antoni Macierewicz, Not only did the Minister made a tour over the exhibition. He also announced major technical modernization programme related decisions, e.g. filing the request for quotation for Patriot air-defence system as well as appointing PGZ as the supplier of Rosomak BMS system.

The Deputy MOD Minister Bartosz Kownacki and Secretary of State Andrzej Szatkowski together with the Minister of Development Mateusz Morawiecki and the representatives of the armed forces and industry participated in conferences focussed on Polish defense-industry most topical issues: „The Polish Armed Forces technical modernization – priority directions for the years 2017-2019” and „Opportunities for the Polish Armaments Group involvement in the implementation of the priority tasks in the field of Armed Forces technical modernization”. These were only the most important among work-meetings and panels galore held within the scope of MSPO.

Defence Expo’s prestige and significance

MSPO was graced with the presence of President, ministers from home and abroad, it also hosted global defense industry giants such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing, Leonardo, MBDA, Raytheon, Rheinmetall and Thales. This only emphasizes MSPO’s prestige and importance. Multinationals showcased the latest helicopters, combat vehicles, missile systems and weapons.

Under the banner of Polish defense industry and contracts

Poland has been the leitmotif of this year’s MSPO. Our country was represented by over 325 exhibitors – public and private owned companies. Polish Armaments Group boasted most extensive and diversified exhibition. PGZ is MSPO’s strategic partner. Polish Armaments Group’s companies concluded several important agreements. PGZ and Thales signed the agreement with Mesko – the companies will work together to manufacture cutting-edge induction missiles in Poland. These are designed for domestic market and export. PGZ also signed a letter of intent with Leonardo. MEADS International consortium received a letter of intent from PGZ; this regards cooperation within the framework of the OPL Wisła programme. These documents show that Poland’s defence industry expands its international presence.

The words of the defense minister, Mr Antoni Macierewicz may serve as the best recapitulation of MSPO – I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers of this magnificent Defence Exhibition, for everything Poland can boast owing to your efforts.